Each year, NIDA CEO Liz Hughes recognises the students who best embody NIDA community’s values with the CEO’s Awards for Excellence. These awards honour those who go above and beyond in their coursework, collaborate generously on projects, and commit countless hours of work and creativity to problem solving both in and out of production settings.
“It’s wonderful to be able to celebrate the incredible things that happen beyond our stages, outside our studios, workshops and writers’ rooms here at NIDA, because there is so much worth celebrating! In 2026, we’ve placed a real focus on student leadership, and today’s award winners are a testament to just how powerful that can be. Each of them has helped shape our NIDA community in 2026, and I have no doubt they’ll go on to shape our industry. So, watch this space! There are some big, exciting and feel-good things ahead!” Deputy Director, Learning & Innovation Jack Thomson said.
NIDA congratulates all students on their dedication this year and extends special recognition to the recipients of the 2026 CEO’s Awards for Excellence:
Excellence in Environmental Sustainability (NIDA Green Award):
- Karamea Gostt (Costume)
- Beau Brown (Set Construction Technologies)
- Highly Commended: Hayley McGregor (Props and Effects), Millie Rollason (Props and Effects), Darcy Duncan (Technical Theatre and Stage Management), Jackson Lorrigan (Costume), Joey Love-McKenzie (Design for Performance), Jonathon Hartley (Set Construction Technologies), Charlie Bachelard (Live Production and Technical Services)
Excellence in Inclusion and Diversity:
- Joey Love-McKenzie (Design for Performance)
- Brittany Goh (Musical Theatre)
- Highly Commended: Emily Stewart (Technical Theatre and Stage Management), Maggie Ireland-Jones (Acting)
Excellence in Helping Others in Challenging Situations:
- Sev Murphy (Directing)
- Ryan Shaw (Acting)
- Highly Commended: Natalie Weber (Specialist Make-up Services), Jonathan Ogilvie (Technical Theatre and Stage Management), David Blue (Acting), Jackson Lorrigan (Costume)
2026 Technical Theatre and Stage Management Award for Excellence in Sound Design, supported by Jands:
- Otto Zagala (Technical Theatre and Stage Mangement)
2026 Technical Theatre and Stage Management Emerging Talent Award for Lighting, supported by Jands & ETC:
- Alexandria White (Technical Theatre and Stage Mangement)
2026 Technical Theatre and Stage Management Award for Excellence in Lighting, supported by Vectorworks:
- Darcy Duncan (Technical Theatre and Stage Management)
2026 Freddie J Gibson International Industry Experience Award:
- Kai Johnson (Acting ) to attend the Philippe Gaulier School in France.
- Hayley Cantrill (Technical Theatre and Stage Management) for an industry placement hosted by Luke Halls in London.
Keith Bain OAM Award for Movement:
- Dan Castle (Acting)